YARN SELECTION

Choose the right yarn for your knitting project

Unsure about yarn choice?

  • Fluffy and light → mohair
  • Warm everyday sweater → alpaca
  • Holds its shape → wool

Yarn alternatives per pattern

Yarn Alternatives

You can use different yarn qualities as long as the gauge is correct. Here are some suggested alternatives:

  • Original fluffy look: mohair together with a thin wool or alpaca
  • More structure and less fluff: alpaca or wool only
  • Softer against the skin: alpaca together with silk or merino wool

Remember to always knit a swatch before you start.

What is the difference between mohair, wool, and alpaca

Yarn choice affects expression, fit, and warmth. Here's a simple overview:

Mohair

Light, fluffy, and adds volume. Perfect for sweaters, boleros, and hats with a soft look.

Alpaca

Warm, soft, and durable. Gives a more matte and structured result than mohair.

Wool

Elastic and dimensionally stable. Well-suited for garments that need to hold their shape.

Yarn Combinations

Many patterns use two qualities together to combine volume, strength, and softness.

See patterns by yarn in all patterns.

Choose the right yarn for your knitting project – mohair, wool, and alpaca. Learn about properties, warmth, and fit for perfect results.

Frequently asked questions about yarn selection

Yarn Guide – Mohair, Wool, and Alpaca

Yarn choice affects the look, fit, and warmth of your project. Here’s a simple overview to help you choose the right yarn.

Mohair

Light, fluffy, and adds volume. Perfect for sweaters, boleros, and hats with a soft and airy look.

Alpaca

Warm, soft, and durable. Provides a more matte and textured result than mohair, and is well-suited for everyday wear.

Wool

Elastic and shape-retaining. Ideal for garments that need to maintain their shape over time.

What should I choose?

  • If you want a fluffy and light sweater → choose mohair
  • If you want a warm and soft everyday sweater → choose alpaca
  • If you need a garment that holds its shape well → choose wool

Combining yarns

Many patterns use two qualities together to combine volume, strength, and softness. Several CosyMonday patterns are designed for double-stranding to achieve the correct fit and look.

Yarn Warmth Elasticity Fluff Texture
Mohair Medium Low High Soft
Alpaca High Low Low Matte
Wool Medium High Low Shape-retaining

See patterns by yarn in all patterns.


PART 2 - Care and washing of mohair, wool, and alpaca ◀

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  • 🧺 How to care for wool and mohair

    Wool and mohair are natural materials
    that both warm and breathe – and with proper care they stay looking good for many years
    years. Here are my best tips for how to take care of these exclusive
    the materials.

  • 🌬️ 1. Air instead of washing

    Wool and mohair have natural
    self-cleaning properties. This means you rarely need to wash them. Instead:

    - Hang the garment out to air after use ,
    preferably outside or in a well-ventilated room.

    - Avoid direct sunlight and rain - fresh air
    is all that is needed.

    - Airing removes odors and freshens up
    the fibers without wear.

  • 🧼 2. Gentle washing when needed

    When washing is necessary, we recommend
    we:

    - Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water (max 30 °C),
    or

    - Machine wash on wool program with low spin.

    - Use a mild wool detergent without
    Enzymes     – regular detergent can break down the fibers.

    Tip: Do not leave the garment soaking for long periods of time – short contact with water is
    best.

  • 🧺 3. Don't rub or twist – squeeze gently

    Wool and mohair cannot withstand rough conditions.
    treatment:

    - When hand washing: move the garment gently in
    the water – do not rub.

    - Rinse in cold water and squeeze out the water
    with your hands.

    - Roll the garment in a towel and squeeze.
    Squeeze out excess water     – never twist or turn.

  • 🧵 4. Dry flat and reshape the garment

    After washing, proper drying is
    crucial:

    - Lay the garment flat on a dry towel.

    - Gently shape it back into its shape
    original shape.

    - Let it dry at room temperature , without
    heat or direct sunlight.

    - Do not use a dryer – it may shrink.
    and destroy the fibers.

  • 👕 5. Store with care

    Proper storage gives the garments
    longer life:

    - Board
    the garment neatly and place it in a drawer or on a shelf – do not hang it,
    then it may lose its shape.

    - For seasonal storage , use a tight bag.
    or box.

    - Feel free to include a lavender bag or cedar block that holds
    moths away.

  • 🐐 6. Tips for mohair

    Mohair is extra soft and
    luxurious, but also a little more delicate:

    - It may be a bit noisy at first – this is
    normal and will decrease.

    - Use a mohair brush or a
    Lint remover     with a light hand to keep the surface neat.

    - Avoid friction from bags or rough surfaces
    jackets that can damage the fibers.

  • 💡 Extra tips

    Is the garment wrinkled?

    - Hang it up.
    bathe     under a hot shower or steam gently with an iron (low heat,
    use steam and a piece of cloth in between).

    - Avoid perfume , deodorant or hairspray
    directly on the garment – ​​it may stain.

    - Remove stains carefully with a damp cloth.
    cloth and a little wool soap – never rub.

  • ♻️ A sustainable choice

    By taking good care of your wool and
    mohair garments, you extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new clothes. It is
    good for both your wallet and the environment 🌿

    Questions about
    maintenance?     Please feel free to
    Contact me – I can help you with tips and advice!

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